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Flu and Children with Neurologic Conditions

Children of any age with neurologic conditions are more likely than other children to become very sick if they get the flu. Flu complications may vary and for some children, can include pneumonia and even death.

Neurologic conditions can include:

Disorders of the brain and spinal cord

Cerebral palsy

Epilepsy (seizure disorders)

Stroke

Intellectual disability

Moderate to severe developmental delay

Muscular dystrophy

Spinal cord injury

Some children with neurologic conditions may have trouble with muscle function, lung function or difficulty coughing, swallowing, or clearing fluids from their airways. These are problems that can make flu symptoms worse.

Vaccination is the Best Protection against Flu

The best way to prevent flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccination each year is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. It is especially important for children with neurologic conditions to get vaccinated since they are at a high risk of experiencing complications if they become ill from flu.

Additionally, it is important for close contacts of children with neurologic conditions, including parents, siblings, household members, and caregivers – such as babysitters, doctors, nurses, and teachers – to get vaccinated to keep from getting sick or spreading the flu to these children or other people at high risk of serious flu complications.

Treating the Flu in Children with Neurologic Conditions

Any person with a health condition that increases their risk for complications if they become sick with flu should get prompt medical attention if they have flu symptoms. If your child with a neurologic condition develops fever or flu symptoms, call your doctor or take them to the doctor right away. CDC recommends that doctors treat flu illness promptly in high risk people who have underlying medical conditions with flu antiviral drugs.

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu. These medications work best when started as early as possible after getting fever and flu symptoms.

If your child has flu keep them at home, except for doctor visits, for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicines. You should also make sure your child gets plenty of rest and clear fluids (water, broth, sports drinks, etc.). Your health care provider may also recommend fever-reducing medicines* based on your child’s age.

*Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter medicines without approval from a health care provider. Also aspirin should not be given to any child younger than 18 years old who has the flu.